Citizenship

Australian citizenship is an important step in your migration story. Becoming an Australian citizen means that you are making an ongoing commitment to Australia and all that this country stands for. It is also the beginning of your formal membership of the Australian community. It is the step that will enable you to say ‘I am Australian’.

CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS

To become an Australian citizen you will need to complete the following steps:

STEP 1: Confirm that you are eligible. The Department of Home Affairs website provides information on citizenship eligibility.

STEP 2: Fill in an application, lodge the form and pay the fee. Once you lodge the Citizenship Application Form, it will be processed by staff at the Department of Home Affairs.

STEP 3: Attend a short interview. You may be able to attend your interview at an Australia Post office. After your interview, the Department will write to you about whether your application has been approved. Most applications are processed in 6 – 8 weeks.

STEP 4 : Once your application has been assessed and approved you will receive correspondence from the Department of Home Affairs advising you that your application was successful. The Department of Homes Affairs will then finalise your paperwork, order your Certificate and provide Council with a list of names to include in the next ceremony. Once this information is received, an invitation will be sent to you to attend the next citizenship ceremony.

STEP 5: Attending a citizenship ceremony, taking the pledge and receiving  your Certificate is the final step in the journey to become an Australian citizen. The ceremony fulfils the requirements under Australian citizenship law and provides an opportunity for Inverell Shire Council to officially welcome its new citizens.

Enquiries regarding Australian Citizenship and the application process should be directed to the Department of Home Affairs on 131 880.

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY DRESS CODE

Conferees at citizenship ceremonies are encouraged to wear formal / smart casual clothing, or traditional cultural dress which reflects the significance of the occasion.

This Dress Code is a requirement of the Australian Government’s Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code.

The Presiding Officer will have the discretion to decide for those who do not meet the requirements of the dress code, as to whether they are allowed to make the Pledge of Commitment to become an Australian Citizen.